Shooting Industry January 2013 - Page 56

The 2012 U.S. Olympic Shooting Team competed in the London games, representing not only the United States, but also the entire shooting sports industry. For Being Part Of The Team USA Shooting Excels With Support Of Shooting Sports Industry By USA Shooting Staff Thank You he performance of U.S. Olympic shooting athletes at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London was historical. Built on years of training, the team’s achievements demonstrated individual athletic excellence, backed by unprecedented support from companies and organizations throughout the shooting sports industry. Four U.S. shooting athletes reached the podium at the Olympic Games: Kim Rhode of El Monte, Calif. (gold in women’s skeet), Vincent Hancock of Eatonton, Ga. (gold in men’s skeet), Jamie Gray of Lebanon, Pa. (gold in women’s 3-postion rifle) and Matt Emmons of Browns Mills, N.J. (bronze in men’s 3-position rifle). The Olympic Games and all of 2012 were highly significant for USA Shooting, the United States’ National Governing Body for the sport of shooting. “We at USA Shooting are proud of our athletes’ shooting accomplishments, as well as the way they represented our country, organization, sport and industry on the Olympic world stage and in international competitions throughout the year,” said Buddy DuVall, executive director, USA Shooting Team Foundation. DuVall emphasized that the shooting sports industry is instru- T mental in helping USA Shooting build this tradition of success. “Quite simply, USA Shooting exists as a result of the benefits received from its association with many of the industry’s top companies and organizations. The direct and indirect support that is provided through these relationships — the team behind the team — furthers our ability to continue the winning tradition — a tradition that wouldn’t be possible without this generous support,” DuVall said. This support is not taken for granted by the USA Shooting athletes. “Some of the most vital members of our team are our sponsors, donors and partners who provide support and share in our success,” said Emmons, a three-time Olympic medalist. “Without them, the dreams of our athletes, our staff and millions of Americans are simply not possible. We thank them for being a part of our team.” While most countries support their Olympic teams with government funding, that isn’t the case in the United States. USA Shooting’s annual budget of $4.4 million comes primarily from three sources: the U.S. Olympic Committee, direct mail contribu- USA Shooting Team Sponsors 56 Subscribe to SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com • NEW BUSINESS YEAR EXTRA 2013 U.S. Olympic Committee/Bob Long